Microchipping

Microchipping Services From Our Toronto Veterinarians

At Jane Animal Hospital, microchipping is just one of the many services our Toronto Veterinarians provide. If your pet isn't already microchipped, we highly recommend having this quick and simple procedure done. Specifically, a microchip refers to a tiny, implantable chip that is placed underneath your pet's skin and contains important identifying and contact information.

Benefits of Pet Microchipping

There are numerous benefits of having your pet microchipped. The main benefit is the added peace of mind and chance of recovery in the event that your pet becomes lost. Let's say, for example, you let your pet out into your fenced-in backyard. A few minutes later, you step outside to call your dog in and he's gone. You realize you must have left the gate open earlier in the day while you were working in the back yard.

Awhile later, a passerby notices your dog wandering a nearby neighborhood and decides to take him in. Your dog was not wearing a collar, so there is no obvious contact information to reach you. However, this good Samaritan decides to have your pet scanned for a microchip at a local shelter or vet office. Immediately, the chip is discovered and, using the information embedded into the chip, the vet's office is able to contact you and let you know that your dog has been found.

Overall, having your pet microchipped is your best chance for retrieving a pet after he or she goes missing. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to "prove" ownership of a pet without a microchip unless your pet has very distinct markings, a collar, or other identifying information.

Some pet owners think that putting a collar with tags on their pet is just as good as microchipping, but this simply isn't the case. When pets run away, they tend to lose their collars while climbing over/under fences, scaling trees, and the like. Therefore, you cannot always rely on your pet's collar and tags to be intact by the time he or she is found. Since a microchip is embedded under the skin, you don't have to worry about this.

What You Need to Know About Pet Microchipping

Having your pet microchipped is an extremely quick and simple procedure that, for most pets, is completely painless. Much like a vaccine, microchipping is done so quickly that most pets don't realize what's going on. Once your pet is microchipped, we will program the necessary contact information from you, including your name and telephone number.

Please be sure to keep your pet's microchip information updated. If you move or change your telephone number, you should let your vet know or contact the microchip company directly so they can update the information for you. All too often, this is something that pet owners forget to do when they relocate or change their contact information.

Schedule Your Pet's Appointment With Our Toronto Veterinarians

If you're interested in having your pet microchipped or would simply like to find out more about it, feel free to contact our Toronto veterinarians today. You can reach Jane Animal Hospital at 416-762-5558. We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have or get your pet scheduled for a microchip appointment during our office hours, Monday through Saturday.

Microchipping FAQs

When you decide to microchip a pet, you want to understand the process and the risks to your pet. By asking clear questions about pet microchip benefits, you will know when it fits your situation.

What Is Microchipping?

Microchipping is a process of putting a small item under your pet's skin. The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and it goes under the skin. The chip maintains information about your pet. It helps when your pet gets lost or injured by providing useful information.

How does the Microchip Registry Work?

The microchip registry works by maintaining a database for your pets. You register specific information about your pet's name and your home address. You can also put information about their health, such as allergies or medical history. By registering the data, you help keep your pet safe and healthy. Our veterinarian pulls up data on your pet by running a device over the microchip. It allows you to keep your pet safe and healthy.

Does it Hurt to Microchip Dog or Cat?

In general, it does not hurt to microchip dog or cat in our clinic. Since the microchip is very small, it does not cause irritation or discomfort. The process is minimally invasive.

We use a needle to insert the microchip under your pet's skin. Your pet will feel a small pinch during the process. It is similar to the feeling of getting a shot. Microchipping does not cause long-term complications and is a safe option for your pet's well-being.

What are the Benefits of Microchipping?

The benefits of microchipping your pet depending on your concerns. A key advantage of the chip is that you do not need to worry about your pet getting lost or wandering off. Professionals pull up your pet's information using the data in the registry for your pet. That allows a professional to contact you or your family when we find your pet.

It also limits the risk of losing a tag. Traditional tags worn on a collar are easy to lose. Your pet may accidentally break off his or her collar after getting lost. The tags can break or bend. You do not have a risk of losing a microchip because it stays under your pet's skin.

The final advantage is the database. You can register information about your address, pet's name, and contact information. You can also provide details about your pet's health and medical history.

Contact Our Local Veterinarian for an Appointment Today

The goal of microchipping your pet is his or her safety. It limits the risks to an animal and allows you to feel confident in your pet's safety. To learn more about the process or to schedule an appointment, call 416-762-5558 today.